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Near normal runoff expected

While some areas in the southern and eastern parts of the province are bracing for high spring runoff levels, North Battleford can expect near normal levels, according to data released by the Sask. Watershed Authority earlier this month.

While some areas in the southern and eastern parts of the province are bracing for high spring runoff levels, North Battleford can expect near normal levels, according to data released by the Sask. Watershed Authority earlier this month.

Runoff has already begun in some areas, but so far the RM of North Battleford sees no major cause for worry, according to administrator Debbie Arsenault.

"We've had a few issues with culverts being frozen up and having to deal with that, but nothing we've seen potentially for great concern," she said.

"But you never know. As it gets warmer and melts faster, we'll see what comes up."

RM of Battle River councilor Allan Rumpf said so far no big problems have appeared on the radar there, either.

"At our last meeting, we didn't really anticipate too many troubles," he said.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is preparing for potential damage caused by flooding, stockpiling extra equipment and supplies to deal with trouble spots.

But it doesn't appear the Battlefords area will be one of those trouble spots. To date, there are no reports of water covering roads in this region, Highways Minister Jim Reiter said last week.

"Right around the Battlefords area we'll be keeping an eye on everything, but it certainly isn't the problem that some are areas are experiencing," he said.

"We think we're prepared if anything does happen."

Sask. Watershed Authority is forecasting high water levels in reservoirs and lakes around the province. Jackfish Lake measured 529.46 m on March 1, and the water level is expected to reach 529.7m this spring. The normal summer level is 529.4 m.